Engine bed for inboard-powered boats

Abstract

An engine bed for locating an inboard engine in a powerboat hull and for transferring static and dynamic engine loads to load-bearing stringers formed integrally in the stern portion of the hull. The engine bed includes a transverse beam extending between the stringers under the forward motor mounts of the engine. Longitudinal flanges, formed integrally in the beam ends are rigidly secured to the stringers by through-bolts. The forward motor mounts of the engine are rigidly fixed to the beam at points spaced inwardly from the flanges.

Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those skilled in the art to practice it, and having identified the presently preferred embodiment thereof, I claim: 
     
       1. For use in combination with an inboard-powered boat, said boat including: a hull, and   at least two transversely spaced, longitudinal, load-bearing stringers formed integrally in the stern portion of said hull, parallel to the centerline of said hull,   an engine bed for locating an inboard engine and transferring static and dynamic engine loads to said stringers on either side of said engine, said engine bed comprising: (a) a transverse beam shaped and dimensioned to extend between said stringers under the forward motor mounts of said engine;   (b) longitudinal flanges formed integrally in the ends of said transverse beam; p1 (c) means for rigidly fixing the forward motor mounts of said engine to said transverse beam at points spaced inwardly of said flanges, such that said beam intermediate said flanges supports said motor mounts; and   (d) means for through-bolting said longitudinal flanges of said engine bed rigidly to said load bearing stringers.